Radiation Photos...and what I look like now

I AM FINISHED! No more radiation for me...ever. Radiation is a "one shot deal" meaning that even if the cancer comes back, it will have to be treated another way. Not that we are focusing on the cancer coming back...because it's NOT. With all the people praying for me, it wouldn't dare!

Now, don't be scared by some of the photos that I am posting. We wanted to get some photos of the radiation process, my lovely mask, and what I look like now that radiation is completed. They aren't exactly the most flattering pictures. Even though these past couple of weeks weren't exactly the best of times, we still want to remember all that we can from what God taught us and how He healed me.

First off, a few photos of how cancer took over our home. The counter next to the sink and the cupboard above was overflowing with meds, syringes, Ensure, vitamins, and yes even lovely items like Maalox and Milk of Magnesia. What can I say, cancer isn't exactly glamorous! You see all those red bottles in the cupboard? All mine. See the bottles full of morphine? Mine. Boxes of fentanyl patches? Yeah, mine. Everything here is mine. And all were used on a daily basis. I still have lost track of how many prescriptions I am on.

And then the dresser in the bedroom, where my nightly meds were dispensed and my dressing on my feeding tube was changed. Every night, Nurse Jason would transport all of my needed meds upstairs and keep my chart updated. He's the best male nurse in the world!This is the radiation room where I spent M-F, 15 minutes per day for almost seven weeks. That is my mask laying on the table. The radiation lights would surround me and rotate throughout the sessions.

Here I am being lifted closer to the lights on the fancy schmancy table.

And this is the creepiest picture of all. This is me strapped into my mask. Can you see now why I would struggle with claustrophobia?? You can see the curve of my nose and then there is a mouthpiece underneath the mask that is holding my mouth open and my tongue perfectly still. I kinda look like a corpse, don't I? The hard, plastic mesh is pushed up directly on to my skin. I usually had "waffle face" when I was finished.

This was me after a few days of treatment and into second week of chemo. Just starting to burn and have sore lips, but really doing just fine.

And this is me now, red beard and all. I decided to wear my stripes with pride. Lost about 35 pounds,* gained new perspective on my life, gained new attitude and appreciation for the goodness of God.
*Just a friendly reminder, if you say I am "lucky" or you are "jealous" because I lost weight then I will punch you in the face. In love, of course :)

Here is our "before" family picture during Christmas...

And again, here we are now. You might notice a trend with the boy. He's not exactly cooperative.

Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your prayers. The way you all rallied around me and cheered me through was amazing. I have the best support system. Thank you for joining us on this cancer journey!